Enhanced eVersion Of 'Roots' Released

NEW YORK The Perseus Books Group and NBC News have just announced the debut of Roots: The Enhanced Edition, a new ebook that includes the complete original book and an array of multimedia features that illuminate this classic work and its sustained impact over time. Roots: The Enhanced Edition includes captivating video from the NBC News Archives, rare Haley family photos, recordings from the Haley Estate, and commentary from NBC News Special Correspondent Tom Brokaw. David Wilson, managing editor of NBC News’ www.TheGrio.com, NBC’s video news community dedicated to stories and perspectives that affect and reflect African Americans, also provides a video introduction and thoughtful interview, especially for this edition. The Roots ebook was launched to coincide with the national celebration of Black History Month.

“After the success of the #1 Bestselling Book App JFK: 50 Days with NBC, we’re privileged to continue our partnership with NBC News to create these standard-setting enhanced projects that set the bar for what can be done with classic works.“ said David Steinberger, CEO of the Perseus Books Group. “The footage NBC News has in their amazing archive is a virtual time capsule, transporting the viewer back to the cultural moment of publication and adding a new dimension to the experience of Roots.”

“Roots is, first and always, a groundbreaking book about history and family, and touches on important themes that span continents and touch generations,” said David Wilson of NBC News’ www.thegrio.com. “This book galvanized the nation and created an extraordinary political, racial, social and cultural dialogue that continues today. NBC News is thrilled to be working with Perseus/Vanguard to create this definitive edition of Roots that provides such unparalleled depth, context and insight.”

Roots: The Enhanced Edition provides readers with over an hour of insightful video and audio content that enriches this powerful book. Included in this are video interviews, recorded talks, and essays from the book’s author, Alex Haley, who discusses the experience of researching and writing Roots. NBC researchers discovered archival footage that captures the phenomenon of Roots as it unfolded over thirty years ago— including Haley’s appearances on NBC News’ "Today Show." Together with new video commentary from Tom Brokaw and David Wilson, the reading group guide, and the introduction by Michael Eric Dyson, this exciting mix of content enables readers to rediscover or experience Roots for the first time.

“We are so proud to be the publisher of Roots in all formats – print, traditional ebook, and now the Enhanced Edition”, said Roger Cooper, Publisher of Vanguard Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group. “Roots is a book that crossed boundaries, so it’s appropriate that this book should be a pioneer in the new format of enhanced editions. The material in this book is carefully curated, and brings a new generation of readers into Haley’s social conversation in a way no edition ever has. This rich trove of context is only appropriate for a book like Roots, winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Truly, we see this as the definitive edition of Roots.”